Elizabeth Lynn Casey's Blog, page 120

Books, Books

One benefit to living without power for over a week was the opportunity to read. After all, the normal distractions (like work, chores, and computer) were virtually eliminated.

So I read.

And read.

One of the books I read during that time was SLOW DANCING ON PRICE”S PIER by Lisa Dale. It didn’t take long to figure out why this book was nominated for a RITA during its inaugeral year as it was really, really good.

The blurb on back: Fifteen years ago, Garret Sorensen’s family, trust, and heart were...

Let There Be Light

I know it’s been a while since you’ve all heard from me, but Superstorm Sandy decided to shut the lights (and fridge, and computers, and phones, and heat) off in my house for an inordinate amount of time. But the lights are back on now (if you listen hard enough you can probably hear me chearing through your computer)!! Yay!

The hardest part of not having power (besides the ICE COLDshowers) was not being able to turn on the news and see just how bad the storm had been elsewhere. Hearing that t...

A New Perspective

I’m writing this blog early because I’m assuming we won’t have power on Monday. So, instead of bemoaning the storm and my worries for a repeat of last year’s damage, I figured I’d tell you more about my research trip to Amish country.

One of the evenings I was there, I took a special behind-the-scenes tour that allowed me to get up close and personal with three separate Amish families.

The first family runs a dairy farm and my group arrived during milking time. Because there is no electricity u...

Quilted Beauties

I’m back and I had a wonderful time on my research trip. Absolutely, positively wonderful.

During the course of my trip, my aunt (who accompanied me for part of it) and I stepped into a quilt museum in Intercourse, PA. Seeing the talents of the women who made these quilts is truly inspiring and I thought I’d share some of my favorites with you…

This particular quilt on your left hung from the ceiling in one room. I wasn’t able to quite capture the true “wow” of the dimensions in this with my ca...

On The Go

Yesterday, on my research trip, I had an opportunity to go to a large farmer’s market where folks were selling meats, produce, crafts, etc. There were a few Mennonites, but not the “old world” Amish I write in my Amish Mysteries. Yet, despite that, I found my wheels turning about possible future plots (love when that happens).

This morning, I’m off to the Amish tour house I visited in the spring with a list of questions. One such question pertains to the typical length of an Amish engagement....

Research

While I’m still working on that women’s fiction proposalfor the remainder of October, I’m needing to turn some of my attention to the next contracted book in the line-up. Book #3 in my Amish Mysteries (written as Laura Bradford) is just days away from claiming the top spot on my daily writing to-do list.

So, in preparation for the transition back into the Amish way of life, I’m delving back into research mode (which I adore). This time, I’ll be going to an Amish farmer’s market on one day, and...

Autumn Bits

We’ll be entertaining some friends and their families over a backyard fire this weekend. The kids will play flashlight tag and the like, and the adults will hang out and talk. I’ve got recipes for hot cider, a special apple dip, and bone breadsticks, at the ready. And, of course, I’ll be making desserts (that’s my favorite part).

So, needless to say, I’m in an fall-like mood for this week’s Bits & Pieces.

1) Do you prefer happy fall-like decorations (scarecrows and such) or more halloween/scary...

Journaling

Today’s post is fairly straightforward.

I’ve always been fascinated by those who keep a journal, whether on life in general or a particular subject (like a hobby). I’ve often thought of starting one but never actually do it.

So how about all of you? Does anyone keep a journal? Is it on life or something more specific? Do you simply write ideas/events in it or do you also put clipping and pictures inside?

~Elizabeth

The List

I’m a list maker. Always have been. I guess I like to see everything I need to do, right there in front of me.

Sometimes, when I’m on a roll and accomplishing lots of stuff, I’ll put things on the list that weren’t already on it, just so I cansee another check mark. Weird, I know…

When I lived in my condo, I had a specific place for my list. Every night I disposed of the old one and replaced it with the next day’s list. And, every day, I almost always got everything on the list done (staying...

Next Up

Thanks to my friend, Maggie, who purchased a book at the airport only to realize she’d already read it, the next book on my To Be Read pile is SUMMER PEOPLE by Elin Hilderbrand.

What’s the next book on your TBR pile?

~Elizabeth